Alan Simpson: Political System Insiders

Alan Simpson Money Quotation saying Nearly three-quarters of Americans at the way money is corrupting politics. Alan Simpson said:
 

 

“70% of Americans are angry and frustrated because our political system seems to only be working for insiders with money and power” — Alan Simpson

This quote from Alan Simpson suggests that a significant majority of Americans feel discontent with the current political system because they perceive it as primarily serving special interests and well-funded groups rather than the interests of ordinary citizens.

The quote implies that around 70% of the population believes the system is “captured” by monied insiders and lobbyists who are able to wield disproportionate influence over policymaking through campaign donations and other financial means.

Simpson seems to be criticizing a system that is not adequately representing the needs and priorities of average Americans, who instead feel their concerns are being ignored in favor of policies that mainly benefit those with wealth and power.

The quote conveys a sense that the political process has become unresponsive to the public due to the outsized role of money in politics.

Hillary Clinton: Constitutional Amendment

Hillary Clinton Money Quotation saying she supports a constitutional amendment to effectively reverse the supreme court ‘Citizens United’ decision allowing unlimited political donations. Hillary Clinton said:
 

 

“We need to fix our dysfunctional political system and get unaccountable money out of it once and for all, even if that takes a constitutional amendment” — Hillary Clinton

In this quote, Hillary Clinton appears to be advocating for significant campaign finance reforms, even if they require amending the U.S. Constitution. She describes the current political system as “dysfunctional” due in part to the influence of “unaccountable money,” suggesting wealthy donors have gained outsized political power through unlimited spending.

Clinton’s reference to “get[ting] unaccountable money out of it once and for all” implies she wants much stricter regulations and limitations on money in politics. Her statement that this may necessitate a constitutional amendment conveys a view that thorough reforms are needed that could override Citizens United and other court rulings.

Overall, Clinton seems to be calling for comprehensive measures to curb the role of large financial contributions in politics through mechanisms such as public financing of elections or strict caps on donations and spending.

Jimmy Carter: Oligarchy of Political Bribery

Jimmy Carter Money Quotation saying politicians are bribed by the wealthy to the extent
that we are ruled by those with money, not politicans. Jimmy Carter said:

“[Unlimited money in politics] violates the essence of what made America a great country, now it’s just an oligarchy, with unlimited political bribery being the essence of getting the nominations for president” — Jimmy Carter

In this quote, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is sharply criticizing the influence of large financial contributions on the American political system. His view is that unlimited sums being poured into the political process by wealthy donors, super PACs and other special interests has undermined what made the United States successful – a representative democracy.

Carter argues the nation has effectively become an “oligarchy” where a small, powerful segment can largely determine election outcomes and policy agendas through “unlimited political bribery” of candidates and campaigns. He believes obtaining presidential nominations now depends primarily on amassing huge financial backing rather than popular support or qualifications for office.

The quote conveys Carter’s belief that reforms are needed to curb big money in politics in order to restore integrity to the system and re-establish it as a true democratic process serving all citizens equally.

Mike Keefe, Cagle Cartoons

Bernie Sanders: Billionaires Buy Candidates

Bernie Sanders Money Quotation saying due to Citizens United Supreme Court decision, the rich can purchase a win for their chosen political candidate. Bernie Sanders said:
 

 

“We now have a political situation where billionaires are literally able to buy elections and candidates” — Bernie Sanders

In this quote, Bernie Sanders is sharply criticizing the influence of large financial contributions on the American political system. His view seems to be that with the massive amounts that wealthy donors and super PACs are now able to spend on campaigns, elections are essentially being determined by a small number of billionaires and select corporations.

Sanders implies that candidates are now for “sale” to the highest bidder, as those who can raise hundreds of millions or more have an overwhelming advantage in competitive races.

The quote conveys Sanders’ belief that reforms are needed to curb the disproportionate impact of big money in politics in order to restore integrity to the democratic process and ensure it is responsive to public interests rather than private wealth alone.

Ron Paul: Fear of Financial Anarchy

Ron Paul Money Quotation saying Banks and bankers fear financial anarchy if digital currency is allowed to go unchecked and threaten banking. Ron Paul said:
 

 

“I understand the political ramifications of [bitcoin] and I think that government should stay out of them and they should be perfectly legal” — Ron Paul

Ron Paul has generally been supportive of bitcoin and digital currencies. This suggests that Ron Paul believes governments should not overregulate or ban bitcoin, and that people should have the freedom to use digital currencies if they choose.

He also says that banks and bankers may fear financial anarchy if digital currencies are allowed to go unchecked and threaten banking. But Ron Paul seems to think governments should not interfere with bitcoin and let it operate freely in the market.

William Black: Bankers Enlist Political Allies

William Black @WilliamKBlack Money Quote saying at an Irish #bankinginquiry that banksters will fight legal challenges using political cronies they’ve financed. William Black said:
 

 

“If you bring cases against powerful bankers, they will enlist their political allies and they will give very large political contributions to do that” — William Black

In this quote, William Black is referring to the influence that powerful bankers can wield in the political system. He suggests that if legal cases are brought against bankers for their actions, they will use their political connections and make substantial donations to politicians to prevent accountability.

Black implies that bankers will lobby allies in government and make large campaign contributions to protect their interests. His view is that bankers have the means to enlist help from elected officials to avoid legal consequences through political pressure and financing political campaigns.

The quote reflects Black’s perspective that bankers can leverage their economic power and status to gain influence over the political process when their interests are threatened.

Birthday: July 10, 1723 – Death: February 14, 1780

Daryl Cagle of CagleCartoons.com

Bernie Sanders on Political Revolution

Bernie Sanders Money Quotation saying corporations are greedy to the point of destruction of the source of their income and their billionaire leaders are destroying American lives, it’s time for political overhaul. Bernie Sanders said:
 

 

“We have a corporate establishment whose greed is destroying our economy, a political establishment which is beholden to billionaires and a media establishment which largely ignores the major issues facing working families. We need a political revolution” — Bernie Sanders

In this quote, Bernie Sanders argues that corporate greed is harming the economy and average working families. He asserts that the political system is beholden to wealthy billionaires due to their influence through campaign donations and lobbying. Sanders also suggests that the media ignores key issues affecting everyday people.

He seems to be criticizing a system where large corporations prioritize profits and shareholder value over ethics, workers and customers. Sanders implies this corporate greed has been allowed to run rampant due to the political establishment being in the pocket of wealthy elites who can finance their campaigns. As a result, the needs and challenges of regular working people are not properly represented.

Sanders calls for a “political revolution” – likely meaning sweeping reforms are needed to reduce the influence of money in politics, strengthen economic regulations, and make both government and media more responsive to middle/working class citizens rather than corporate interests alone. The quote conveys Sanders’ view that the current establishment is not serving the people and a major systemic change is required.

We need a political revolution. pic.twitter.com/hnVcrsLkph

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 30, 2014

Teddy Roosevelt on Corporate Campaign$

Theodore Roosevelt proposing elimination of corporate political campaign funding with the Tilman Act of 1907. Theodore Roosevelt said:
 

 

“Let individuals contribute as they desire: but let us prohibit in effective fashion all corporations from making contributions for any political purpose, directly or indirectly” — Theodore Roosevelt

In this quote, Theodore Roosevelt is advocating for restrictions on political donations by corporations. The best interpretation is that Roosevelt felt corporations, as entities separate from individuals, should not be able to indirectly influence elections and policymaking through financial contributions.

He wanted donations from corporations to be “prohibited in effective fashion” for any political aims. Roosevelt believed individuals should be free to donate as they choose, but that corporations should have limits on using money to sway the political process, possibly because of concerns about undue corporate influence over government.

The overall message is that Roosevelt saw a need to separate corporate money from politics through effective donation restrictions and prohibitions.

Birthday: October 27, 1858 – Death: January 6, 1919